Deep in Auvers-sur-Oise, a special place exists. It is where impressionism meets contemporary art at Les Ateliers Boggio. This is not just a gallery. It is a portal through time.
Les Ateliers Boggio is a 19th-century house. It features a delightful “curé” garden. The house showcases the works of two artists. They are Émile Boggio and his great-grandson Xavier Boggio.
Émile Boggio was a Franco-Venezuelan painter. This former farmhouse was his last home and studio. The Ministry of Culture and Communication has recognized the site. It now bears the label “Maison des Illustres”.
Émile Boggio spent his final decade in Auvers-sur-Oise. He created over 400 paintings here. He crossed paths with artistic giants like Auguste Renoir. Also Camille Pissarro and Claude Monet were among his acquaintances. A large portion of his work is displayed in the museum. The museum is named after him in Caracas. Émile Boggio rests in the cemetery of Auvers-sur-Oise.
His studio remains untouched. Émile Boggio’s last canvas still sits on his easel. His smock and hat hang on the coat rack. His personal items and furniture tell of his life. They attest to a prolific career.
Xavier Boggio is a painter and sculptor. He passionately watches over this inspiring place. It has been in his family for over 100 years. He lives and works here. He brings light, color, and form into his art. Xavier blurs the lines between painting and sculpture. An exhibition space allows visitors to discover his unique techniques.
Les Ateliers Boggio offers a unique visit. Two studios showcase two eras and two artists. It represents one family in one villa with one garden. Xavier Boggio welcomes visitors into his family home. He is an artist. He is also the great-grandson of impressionist painter Émile Boggio. Visitors embark on a journey through two generations of artists. They are separated by a century and a half of history.
Émile Boggio acquired the house-studio in 1910. It was then called “Villa Rustique”. He was not widely recognized during his lifetime. Despite exhibiting widely and winning awards, he remained relatively unknown. Yet, his paintings rival those of renowned artists. Pissarro, Renoir, and Monet were among his peers.
Xavier Boggio guides visitors through his ancestor’s life and work. The painter’s studio and bedroom are frozen in time. They are adorned with his paintings and original Art Nouveau furniture.
Born in Caracas in 1857, Émile Boggio came from a wealthy family. His father was Italian. His mother had French and Spanish roots. At five, he moved to France with his parents. They settled in Enghien-les-Bains to expand their business.
In 1878, he discovered French art at the Exposition Universelle. Soon after, he joined the Académie Julian in Paris. There he studied painting under Jean-Paul Laurens. In 1887, he received his first award. It was at the Salon des Artistes Français.
In 1900, he won a silver medal at the Exposition Universelle. Around this time, he frequented the same circles as his impressionist friends. His painting was influenced by Van Gogh. It was also inspired by his friend Henri Martin.
From 1907 to 1909, he traveled to Italy. There he painted seascapes along the Ligurian coast. Émile Boggio was also passionate about photography. His photographs offer insights into his life. Painting and photography intertwined in his work.
Émile Boggio documented his era through art. He captured rural life. He also depicted the rise of the working class. His studio in Auvers produced over 400 paintings. He died in 1920. He rests in the Auvers cemetery near Vincent and Théo Van Gogh.
Today, only a small portion of his work is exhibited in France. Émile Boggio found greater success in Venezuela. He is considered a pioneer of post-impressionism there.
After Émile’s death, his housekeeper Elida Dupuis bought the house. She preserved it. She dedicated herself to promoting his work. Émile’s nephew, Edouard Boggio, moved to Auvers in 1953. Xavier Boggio settled there in 1989.
In 2015, Xavier renovated the house. He aimed to open it to the public. He wanted to preserve its impressionistic spirit. He also wanted to introduce contemporary art.
Xavier Boggio has his studio on the ground floor. He combines sculpture and painting. He favors modern materials like concrete and resin. He often works in series. In 2008, he created a piece a day for his “366” series.
Currently, he is creating 1,000 resin steles called “Les Gens”. Started five years ago, it already includes over 400 pieces. These figures reflect society. Their diverse attitudes and colors tell unique stories. The garden features Xavier Boggio’s sculptures. The Culbutos and Gouttes are integrated into the landscape.
Art enthusiasts can visit Les Ateliers Boggio. Xavier Boggio welcomes visitors warmly. He shares his work and his ancestor’s legacy. The Boggio workshops are open on weekends. They are open from 2 pm to 6:30 pm.